5 Important Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog

Dogs are one of the most popular household pets. They are cute and fun, and they provide loyal companionship. Most dog owners will agree that getting a furry friend is one of the best things you can do.

There are a lot of important considerations you need to take before bringing a dog home. Before you rush to go out and adopt a new puppy, you need to prepare yourself physically and mentally. Dogs are for life, not just for Christmas! You need to be equipped with all of the essentials, and you need to be ready to look after your new furry friend for years to come.

Here are five things to consider before getting a dog.

Buying the Essentials

Just like humans, dogs require a number of different things to live a happy and healthy life. You’re going to need lots of supplies before you bring your dog home. These essentials include food, bedding, toys, and a lead.

It’s a good idea to know how much you can afford to spend each week on food before even considering getting a dog. Of course, larger dogs will generally require more food, so this will cost you more.

It can be overwhelming trying to find out which food is best for your dog. It’s a good idea to purchase dehydrated dog food, as this has been shown to maximise your dog’s health. As they grow, you will figure out what their preferences are when it comes to their food. Remember to buy them some treats too!

As for their bedding, toys, and lead, these can be easily found in your local pet store and don’t usually cost much to purchase. However, if you have a playful puppy, their toys will get used a lot, so you might have to buy some more after just a few weeks!

Your Availability

Another very important factor to consider when getting a dog is your availability. Unlike cats, dogs require a lot of care and attention. This is not ideal if everybody in your household works long shifts and is not available to care for the dog. Getting a dog or puppy also means you might have to sacrifice your holidays if you can’t find appropriate care.

Whether it is taking them for walks or playing with them, dogs are sociable animals and most do not enjoy staying at home alone all day. If you are getting a dog, make sure there is somebody at home every day who can spend some time with them.

Safety Around Your Children

If you have little ones running around your home, you need to be careful when getting a dog. It’s a good idea to let your children meet the dog before bringing it home. Many dogs, especially those who have experienced past trauma, might not be appropriate for homes with children. Make sure to ask about the dog’s past and its behaviour before adopting it.

Puppy-proofing Your Home

Before bringing your dog home, you need to make any necessary arrangements in your house. If you’re getting a puppy, be sure to move anything chewable out of the way. Not only does this save your belongings from getting ruined and prevents accidents, but it keeps the puppy safe. Dogs can sometimes chew on things that are dangerous for them, such as toxic foods or small things that they could swallow.

Puppy-proofing your home also involves putting down pads to avoid any unwanted toilet trips on the carpet, or throwing a blanket over your sofa to stop them from ruining the material.

Finding a Vet

Any pet owner knows the importance of having a vet nearby for emergencies or check-ups. Before you adopt a dog, be sure to check where your local vet is. Find one that has prices within your budget, but of course, be prepared to pay substantial fees if your dog requires treatment. Also check the vet’s reviews online, as this will give you a good idea of how reliable and trusted they are.

This is part of being a responsible dog owner. You will need to register your dog with a vet for their initial vaccinations and worm treatments. If and when your dog shows signs of illness, it’s important to take them to the vets as soon as possible so that they can receive the most appropriate treatment.